Councilman Kenyatta Johnson not only wants to be there for his constituents; he wants to be there for his infant son. “I can’t predict the future, but I do know that taking care of my body and eating healthy is one way to make sure I’m doing all that I can to be around to see him grow up,” Johnson says. Health benefits are at the top of the list when he is making food choices and getting through his busy days. “I know I would have less energy and would be less healthy if my diet wasn’t plant-based,” he explains.

Johnson and his wife are both vegetarians, and comfort food is part of what keeps them happy. “My wife makes a really good vegan sandwich, which tastes very close to a traditional Philly hoagie,” says Johnson. “She also makes a really good BLTA—‘smart’ bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado—sandwich that I love. I also love to cook sautéed spinach with olive oil and garlic. I can eat spinach with just about anything. As of today, I’m enjoying combinations of greens and beans... exceptional nutritional value.”

When Johnson goes out, he often chooses the Pod restaurant in West Philly. “The food is really good, and it’s a vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurant that caters to my type of diet,” he says. “There are a lot of options on the menu that I like—including the best [veggie] sushi in Philly. I have to also mention Govinda’s, which has a great ‘Chicken’ Pepper Cheesesteak, and Hip City Veg; it has a great ‘Chicken’ Burger.”